Tapping The NFL Draft: Offensive Line

CraveOnline.com's NFl draft coverage examines the big men up front.

The NFL has many rules to protect quarterbacks and other offensive players, but the first line of defense has been and always will be the offensive line. These men are often the unsung heroes of the offense who never gain recognition unless they screw up, the best ones are usually never heard from. This year's class of offensive linemen has a few elite talents, and lots of depth at every position.

Offensive tackle (LOT/ROT): Offensive tackles in the NFL need to be able to run block effectively, but they make there presence felt the most against the pass rush of a defense. The best OT's will usually be placed on the left side of the line to protect a quarterback's blind-side. NFL OT's are ideally tall, have long arms, and the foot quickness and agility to handle aggressive pass rushers.NFL prototype: Jake Long, Joe Thomas

Matt Kalil, USC, 6'6", 306 lbsKalil is one of the elite prospects in this draft and is by far the top offensive line prospect. Kalil has the size, measurables, and feet that scouts look for in an elite left tackle. With a prospect this good, any negatives would just be unnecessary nit-picking.Draft projection: #3 overall to the Minnesota Vikings

Riley Reiff, Iowa, 6'5", 313 lbsReiff has exceptional upper body strength as well as good arm length and great hand quickness. He can stand to add more strength in his base, and has good but not elite footwork. Reiff benefits in coming from an Iowa program that has produced quality linemen in recent history.Draft projections: #10 overall to the Buffalo Bills

Mike Adams, Ohio State, 6'7", 323 lbsAdams has all the tools to become an elite talent, but needs to show more consistency at the next level. Though Adams is usually dominant against strong bull-rushing DE's, he can struggle to handle small speed-rushers. Adams showed off his potential with a dominant Senior Bowl.Draft projection: #19 overall to the Chicago Bears

Guard: Typically a little shorter, heavier, and better supporting the run, guards are normally the unsung players on the offensive line and are key in keeping defenders out of the quarterback's face while opening lanes for running backs to run through. This year's class is amazingly deep, possibly the deepest we've seen the last decade. Protoype player: Carl Nicks, Ben Grubbs

David DeCastro, Stanford, 6'5", 316 lbsDeCastro has elite instincts and skill and was dominant the three years he played at Stanford. DeCastro has top 10 talent but his position hurts him, he could go as high as the Chiefs at #11 but will not fall any further than Cincinnati at #17. Draft projection: #17 overall to the Cincinnati Bengals

Cordy Glenn, Georgia, 6'5", 345 lbsGlenn was a LOT in college but will probably have to move inside since his weight and lack of quickness may make him a liability in the NFL. His strength and sheer size makes him a perfect fit at guard. Ability to play guard and possibly move outside in a pinch is the only reason he might go higher than DeCastro despite not being ranked as high.Draft projection: #16 overall to the New York Jets

Center: Possibly the most important position on the line, centers need to be like a second quarterback on the field, adjusting blocking schemes on the fly to best fit defensive fronts. Only one center prospect this year (Peter Konz) is deserving of a first or second round grade.Prototype player: Maurkice Pouncey, Nick Mangold

Peter Konz, Wisconsin, 6'5", 314 lbsKonz comes from a system at Wisconsin that excelled in the running game. Konz hits hard and plays with an edge and tenacity that teams crave. His size and intelligence make him a valuable asset and anchor but he could stand to add some strength to his core.Draft projection: #29 overall to the Baltimore Ravens